Anne Frank: A Visit to Nova Scotia

Early on the morning of Monday, July 6, 1942, 13-year-old Anne Frank arrived at the place that she and seven other Jews would call their home for more than two years -- a secret hiding spot above her father's Amsterdam office.

It was in that secret annex that Anne recorded her private thoughts in the pages of her diary -- a diary that was found in the rubble after German authorities raided the space and took away its occupants on Aug. 4, 1944.

"More than 60 years later, that treasured diary still tells a universal tale of prejudice and hate," Mayann Francis, CEO and director of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, said today, July 6. "But it also tells of Anne's hope for a better world -- a hope that we share to this day."

This year, Anne's story will become even more real for Nova Scotians when the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission presents a travelling display developed by the Anne Frank Foundation in Amsterdam and sponsored in the United States and Canada by the New York-based Anne Frank Center USA, Inc.

"The Anne Frank in the World exhibit is a powerful examination of one girl's life during the Nazi occupation," said Ms. Francis. "But it is much more. It uses historic photographs and Anne's words to tell a tale of prejudice, propaganda, and genocide, and of the personal responsibility we all have in ensuring that hate is not allowed to exist in our communities."

In anticipation of the exhibit -- which will be on display from Sept. 11 to Oct. 15 at Victoria Park, Sydney, and from Oct. 23 to Jan. 28, 2007 at the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History in Halifax -- the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission has launched a website of exhibit-related items and links at www.gov.ns.ca/humanrights/annefrank .

"This website gives Nova Scotians an opportunity to remind themselves of Anne Frank's struggle," said Martin Chernin, presenting sponsor of the Sydney portion of the display. "It also sets the stage for serious reflection of Nova Scotia's own challenges over the years."

As part of the Nova Scotia showings, display panels have been created to specifically deal with provincial experiences regarding discrimination, racism and related issues.

"This is not only a chance to remember Anne Frank and the many other victims of prejudice and hate," said Jim Spatz, president of Southwest Properties. "It is also an opportunity to teach the value of courage, respect and tolerance. Anne's story helps us understand the important role each of us can play in making the world a better place. Southwest Properties is delighted to be able to help bring that story to Nova Scotia, and to participate in promoting the discussion of human rights."

Ms. Francis said some viewers may find portions of the display disturbing and that it may not be appropriate for young children.

"Some of the historic photographs are graphic, and the content is certainly not pleasant, so we are cautioning people to use their discretion," she said. "But it is also important to view the entire display in context. People need to be reminded of the consequences in our world when we do not confront and correct acts of discrimination."

The Anne Frank in the World exhibit's visit to Nova Scotia is being supported by a number of government and private sector sponsors whose donations will, among other things, help finance class visits when school resumes in September.